Adulting with Autism

By: April Ratchford MS OT/L
  • Summary

  • 🎙️ Adulting with Autism – The Podcast for Navigating Life’s Chaos, Autism-Style! Welcome to “Adulting with Autism”, where surviving the adult world gets a little quirky – and a whole lot more fun! Hosted by April Ratchford, an autistic mother, occupational therapist, and advocate, this podcast is your backstage pass to the beautifully chaotic reality of autistic adulthood. Whether you’re an autistic young adult figuring out life’s curveballs or a parent trying to help (without too many eye rolls), you’re in the right place! Featuring powerhouse guests like: 🎙️ Amanda Ralston (Founder of Nonbinary, innovating neurodivergent inclusion) 🎙️ Thomas D’Eri (Co-founder of Rising Tide Car Wash, creating autistic employment opportunities) 🎙️ Sam Mitchell (Autistic advocate & host of Autism Rocks and Rolls) 🎙️ McCracken Poston Jr. (Attorney who defended an autistic man misjudged by society) 🎙️ Upcoming: Dr. Robert Melillo (Renowned expert in neurodevelopment & brain function) 💡 Why Tune In? ✔ Laugh, learn, and relate – because adulting is weird, and autism adds its own twist! ✔ Raw, real, and hilarious conversations on independence, jobs, relationships, sensory struggles, and life’s ”Wait… is this adulting?” moments. ✔ Professional insights with a touch of humor – because advocacy doesn’t have to be boring! ✔ In-depth expert interviews that provide actionable advice for autistic adults & parents. 🎯 For Listeners Who Want: 🚀 Relatable autism stories + expert advice 📈 SEO-backed content for real impact 💰 Branding & sponsorship opportunities 🎧 Authentic conversations that keep you coming back! So grab a snack, get comfy, and join us for a blend of wit, wisdom, and a whole lot of heart as we tackle the ups, downs, and sideways of adult life—autism-style! 🔗 Follow, Subscribe & Connect for fresh episodes every Wednesday & Saturday! https://linktr.ee/adultingwithautism Want to be a guest on Adulting with Autism? Send April Ratchford a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1708097947800879cbdd654ca
    © 2024 Adulting with Autism
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Episodes
  • From Snowy Days to True Crime: Unraveling Secrets in Kentucky
    Feb 22 2025

    Hey there! How's your weekend going? Can you believe February is flying by already? Here in Kentucky, we're having a weather rollercoaster with snow, spring, and a touch of summer. Personally, I’m so ready for spring - I can't wait to start gardening. Snow? Ugh, I’m over it!

    Anyway, I wanted to chat with you about something intriguing. Do you ever find it strange when your folks bomb you with a million questions about your whereabouts? It's like they're super detectives whenever you step out the door. Well, there's a reason for that, and it ties into something bigger—how the world sees autistic individuals, especially when true crime stories hit home.

    Let me share with you Alvin Ridley's incredible journey—an autistic man almost wrongfully convicted for murder, just because his behavior was misunderstood. His story is entwined with jaw-dropping courtroom drama, the human condition, and yes, even a sprinkling of humor!

    If you're captivated by tales of justice and redemption—or just curious about autism awareness—this episode is one you shouldn't miss. Pour yourself a cup of coffee, settle in, and let’s dive into a story showing why understanding and awareness matter more than ever. Thanks for being here, and enjoy!

    https://www.mccrackenpostonjr.com/

    https://www.facebook.com/McCrackenPostonJr

    https://twitter.com/RealZenithMan

    https://www.instagram.com/mccrackenpostonjr/

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/mccrackenposton/

    https://www.tiktok.com/@mccracken_poston_jr

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    53 mins
  • Empowering Autism Caregivers: Samantha Wittenberg’s Inspiring Journey
    Feb 19 2025

    Hey guys, hey. Happy Wednesday! How's the week going for you? Over here in Kentucky, we are gearing up for yet another blizzard, and let's just say it's been too much. I'm beyond ready for spring—mainly because driving with a coat on is the worst!

    But today, let’s dive into something equally important. We're chatting about caregiver coaching for parents with autistic kids. It's an area that doesn't get enough spotlight; we often focus on resources for the kids and forget about the parents who really need support, too. That's why I'm thrilled to introduce Samantha Wittenberg, who brings a fresh perspective and much-needed guidance.

    Samantha is here to sprinkle some of her wisdom and talk about her journey with her daughter, who was late-diagnosed as autistic. If you've ever felt overwhelmed as a parent or caregiver, or unsure about how to keep your own cup full while supporting an autistic child, Samantha's got your back. Her business, Empathy at Work, is all about empowering caregivers with the tools they need—not just to survive, but to thrive.

    Plus, we touch on the quirks and challenges of parenting through those teenage years, the difficulties of late diagnosis, and how Samantha found ways to cope and connect with her daughter through the chaos. This isn't just about the kids; it's about the resilience and the unspoken challenges faced by parents and caregivers every day.

    Remember guys, there's no cookie-cutter shape or mold when it comes to autism—or parenting. Let's get the conversation going and support each other on this journey.

    And hey, don't forget to check out the links in the show notes to keep in touch with Samantha or join our community for even more resources. Stay warm, keep adulting, and I'll see you Saturday!

    https://tidycal.com/ssamathawittenberg/clarityconnection

    https://www.meetup.com/specialneedsparents/

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    22 mins
  • Overcoming Burnout: Expert Tips for Long-Term Results
    Feb 15 2025

    Hey everyone! Hope you're greeting the weekend with a smile and had an amazing Valentine’s Day, filled with love not only from partners but also from family. 😊 I’m back with another chat from the Adulting with Autism podcast, and today we’re diving into the all too real struggle of burnout.

    Joining me is Michael D. Levitt, the Chief Burnout Officer at Breakfast Leadership Network. This guy really gets it! We’re chatting about surviving burnout and why both young adults and their parents might find themselves back under one roof, unexpectedly.

    Michael is walking us through recognizing, handling, and even preventing burnout. And the best part? It’s in a way that you don’t need a PhD to understand. From the concept of Rest Ethic to why setting boundaries is key, we’ve got a lot to talk about!

    So, kick back, relax, and let’s figure out how to get through this together. Remember to join us in our cool giveaway happening over on Discord and keep spreading positivity. 🌟

    https://www.breakfastleadership.com/interviews

    https://www.twitter.com/bfastleadership

    https://youtube.com/@breakfastleadership?sub_confirmation=1

    https://www.instagram.com/bfastleadership/

    https://linkedin.com/in/michaeldlevitt

    https://www.tiktok.com/@bfastleadership

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    43 mins

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